John Pinkowski
Clermont
Summary
Proven Sales Leader with 10+ years of success in automotive sales, new and used car operations and management, auctions, and F&I, with expertise in desking deals, structuring profitable finance options, and appraising trades to maximize front- and backend performance. Skilled in BDC leadership, CRM optimization, and building disciplined follow-up systems that drive higher conversions and retention. Developing high-performance sales teams, elevating processes, and delivering exceptional customer experiences entrepreneurial, metrics-driven, and hands-on, consistently improving profitability, close rates, and overall operational efficiency.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Sales Manager
Lazydays R.V. Center
Wildwood
08.2025 - Current
- Structured deals, submitted applications to lenders, and appraised motorhomes and travel trailers for accurate, market-aligned valuations.
- Managed daily sales operations for recreational vehicles and travel trailers.
- Led a sales team through one-on-one coaching sessions to improve lead engagement and follow-up discipline.
- Drove product line performance to exceed unit sales and profit forecasts.
- Trained team members in company culture, sales process, and effective customer engagement.
- Collaborated with management to enhance gross profit, strengthen closing ratios, and improve overall dealership performance.
- Oversaw inventory management to ensure optimal product availability and efficient lot organization.
- Monitored team activities to maintain accountability, productivity, and consistent CRM follow-up.
Pre-Owned Sales Manager
Subaru North Orlando
Sanford
01.2024 - 04.2025
- Desked and structured deals; submitted lender applications and rehashed approvals to maximize gross profit and finance success rates.
- Appraised trade-ins using vAuto; managed inventory pricing, new vehicle ordering, incentive tracking, and aging reports.
- Produced daily performance reports and tracked KPIs, activity metrics, closing ratios, and process compliance for the entire sales team.
- Managed day-to-day operations for new and pre-owned sales departments, consistently hitting volume, CSI, and gross profit targets.
- Supervised 10 Sales Consultants and 2 BDC Representatives; coached performance, enforced KPI accountability, and elevated customer engagement.
- Oversaw all BDC operations including inbound/outbound calls, appointment setting, and unsold-lead follow-up while ensuring activity met daily and weekly standards.
- Resolved escalated customer concerns and negotiated solutions that protected CSI and supported business objectives.
- Conducted structured post-sale follow-up to track satisfaction and maintain manufacturer KPI compliance.
- Recruited, hired, and onboarded new staff; managed schedules, attendance, and productivity expectations.
- Led weekly sales meetings and monthly one-on-ones to review results, track goals, and drive continuous improvement.
- Managed payroll, attendance, and employee records through HRIS systems.
- Maintained expert-level knowledge of OEM programs, incentives, and lender guidelines to support front-end and F&I profitability.
- Enforced a strict 100% Turnover (T.O.) process to increase closing ratios and maintain a consistent customer journey.
- Monitored CRM compliance, ensuring accurate notes, timely follow-ups, and measurable team activity.
- Served as the escalation point for customer issues; closed deals and handled complex concerns requiring management intervention.
- Maintained high CSI scores and a strong online reputation through training, quality control, and proactive customer outreach.
- Managed digital retail operations including listing accuracy, photo uploads, lead response times, and eCommerce engagement tracking.
Finance & Sales Manager
Hill Nissan
Winter Haven
12.2020 - 12.2023
- Assisted with daily operations of new and used vehicle departments, including inventory control, reconditioning, and wholesale management.
- Structured and desked deals to maximize profitability across front-end sales and F&I.
- Served as Finance Manager with an average Per Vehicle Retail (PVR) of $2,526, overseeing deal structuring, menu presentations, and funding coordination.
- Prepared and submitted all DMV paperwork accurately and in full compliance with state regulations.
- Processed and secured funding from financial institutions to ensure timely deal closures.
- Presented full F&I product menus (GAP, VSC, tire & wheel, key replacement, paint protection) to increase backend gross while maintaining transparency.
- Finalized and packaged all deal jackets for accounting review and audit readiness.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with a wide network of lending partners.
- Supported the service department with extended warranty sales and post-sale product assistance.
- Maintained full compliance with all financial regulations, policies, and ethical standards.
- Oversaw BDC operations including inbound/outbound calls, appointment setting, and unsold lead follow-up across phone, email, and text.
- Resolved escalated customer concerns to close deals and protect satisfaction metrics.
- Appraised trade-ins and sourced inventory using vAuto and VinZip tools.
- Managed RDR submissions and maintained accurate incentive and rebate reporting for new vehicle sales.
- Conducted daily team coaching and training to improve performance and maintain strong CSI scores.
- Tracked individual team KPIs to improve lead conversion, follow-up effectiveness, and sales productivity.
- Managed dealership website content and digital sales tools to support online leads and eCommerce activity.
- Coordinated trade-in reconditioning and wholesale preparation to ensure lot readiness.
- Maintained strong relationships with local auction partners, including Adesa, to manage wholesale inventory flow.
Project Manager
Pelican Commerce
Windermere
04.2019 - 12.2020
- Managed high-volume inbound and outbound sales calls and internet lead follow-up, leveraging strong communication and relationship-building skills to convert prospects into active clients.
- Oversaw end-to-end client onboarding for major e-commerce platforms, including full product catalog setup on Amazon Marketplace, Walmart Marketplace, and additional retail channels.
- Communicated directly with clients via phone, video, and email to explain technical processes, resolve issues, and ensure seamless platform transitions, demonstrating strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
- Navigated and utilized multiple software systems and project management platforms to execute workflows, maintain accuracy, and meet deadlines.
- Managed and prioritized up to 25 concurrent projects, ensuring on-time delivery, quality control, and client satisfaction.
Wholesale Sales Representative
Hertz
Estero
04.2018 - 04.2019
- B2B wholesale sales operations, executing high-volume direct-to-dealer transactions and managing relationships with independent and franchise buyers.
- Executed daily cold calls and outbound prospecting to open new dealer accounts, expand territory coverage, and increase revenue opportunities.
- Scheduled and led in-person and virtual sales meetings to present inventory, identify buyer needs, and close high-value wholesale deals.
- Negotiated pricing and finalized purchase agreements while coordinating with buyers, dealer groups, and floorplan financing partners to ensure smooth transactions.
- Expanded and retained the customer base through proactive communication, consistent account management, and reliable deal execution.
- Sourced inventory based on dealer demand, locating units across regional holding areas to match required vehicle specs and timelines.
- Performed comprehensive vehicle inspections and condition reports to ensure units met wholesale standards and buyer expectations.
- Leveraged CRM systems and digital remarketing platforms to track sales activity, update inventory availability, and maintain accurate client data.
- Collaborated with operations, fleet management, and logistics teams to coordinate deliveries, resolve inventory issues, and maintain workflow efficiency.
Pre-Owed Manager
Intelligent Automotive Marketing
Orlando
04.2017 - 04.2018
- Managed a 90–180 unit used vehicle inventory across multiple offsite lots and a central warehouse, ensuring full retail readiness, merchandising accuracy, and fast turn times.
- Coordinated all inspection scheduling and reconditioning workflows, communicating daily with vendors and logistics partners to accelerate retail preparation.
- Supported high-volume wholesale acquisition and liquidation at Manheim Auctions and purchased fleet inventory from Hertz, Avis Budget Group (ABG), and Enterprise.
- Oversaw transportation and logistics for vehicles moving between auctions, events, and storage facilities, maintaining high operational efficiency and minimal delays.
- Utilized vAuto for inventory analysis, competitive pricing, and merchandising decisions aligned with real-time market trends.
- Set up vehicle display lots at offsite retail events; photographed and uploaded inventory to eCommerce platforms to increase online traffic and buyer leads.
- Conducted on-site trade-in and wholesale appraisals, delivering detailed condition assessments and accurate valuation guidance.
- Used RouteOne and Dealertrack to submit finance applications, verify documents, track funding status, and support remote desking and F&I processes.
- Demonstrated strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills while collaborating with vendors, finance partners, logistics teams, and sales departments.
- Maintained high productivity in fast-paced environments by navigating multiple software platforms to manage vehicle records, CRM documentation, and digital workflows.
- Demonstrated advanced computer proficiency in a Microsoft Windows environment, including Excel, Outlook, and dealership DMS tools.
Automotive Sales Consultant
Starling Chevrolet
Orlando
12.2014 - 12.2017
- Delivered personalized automotive solutions by actively listening to customer needs, identifying pain points, and recommending vehicles aligned with lifestyle, budget, and feature preferences.
- Managed high-volume inbound and outbound phone activity, including cold calls and warm internet leads, to schedule appointments and convert interest into showroom visits.
- Handled showroom traffic and digital leads from multiple sources, consistently closing 20+ vehicle sales per month in a fast-paced, commission-driven environment.
- Proactively set sales appointments and followed up with unsold prospects via phone, email, and text to increase engagement and build rapport.
- Honored as a two-time General Motors Mark of Excellence (MOE) Award winner (2015 & 2016) for exceeding sales targets, customer satisfaction scores, and brand representation.
- Served as the go-to New Car Product Knowledge Expert, delivering feature walkthroughs, vehicle comparisons, and test drive experiences that empowered customer decision-making.
- Provided in-depth presentations on Chevrolet’s full vehicle lineup, including advanced safety, infotainment, and technology packages.
- Skilled in E-leads CRM for managing customer interactions, follow-up cadence, prospect tracking, and maintaining accurate lead notes.
- Utilized vAuto to monitor inventory pricing, market comparisons, and merchandising updates to remain competitive.
- Operated within GM Global Connect to manage vehicle reporting, dealer trades, invoicing, OnStar activation, and program incentive management.
- Verified and processed GM supplier, military, and employee pricing (VPP) programs to ensure compliance and customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrated strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to support a transparent and positive buying experience.
- Excelled at multitasking across multiple software tools and screens, navigating concurrent applications in a high-pressure environment.
- Maintained a strong understanding of dealership finance options, trade-in processes, and vehicle availability to guide customers through each stage of the buying journey.
Marine Boat Captain
Atlantic Clam Farms
Port Chester
06.2007 - 12.2014
- Operated and navigated a 70-foot commercial fishing vessel, ensuring adherence to U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
- Supervised daily offshore fishing activities for a crew of 4–6 members, emphasizing safety and productivity.
- Performed routine maintenance on diesel engines, hydraulic systems, and refrigeration units to maintain vessel performance.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues and executed preventative services to reduce equipment downtime and enhance machinery lifespan.
- Ensured compliance with local seafood handling regulations during loading, offloading, and storage processes.
- Maintained HACCP records to support regulatory inspections and ensure audit readiness.
- Coordinated packing, refrigeration, and shipment of fresh seafood orders, focusing on quality control and accuracy.
- Operated forklifts and heavy equipment for efficient loading and unloading of catch and supplies.
- Conducted safety inspections and ensured compliance with maritime regulations.
- Oversaw maintenance schedules for equipment and vessel systems to ensure reliability.
- Ensured that all necessary maintenance was completed on the vessel before each trip.
- Navigated vessels through rough waters using knowledge of tides, currents, weather patterns and navigational aids.
Co-Owner
J&J Transfer
Greenwich
01.2010 - 10.2014
- Established and expanded wholesale seafood distribution business through proactive sales strategies and cold calling.
- Delivered responsive customer service by identifying needs and providing tailored product recommendations.
- Conducted in-person sales visits and follow-ups to ensure account satisfaction and introduce new products.
- Oversaw logistics and regional distribution, managing a commercial fleet for timely delivery of perishable goods.
- Supervised warehouse inventory, performing quality control checks in compliance with HACCP standards.
- Coordinated fresh seafood shipments from suppliers, fulfilling orders within strict timelines.
- Managed full-cycle bookkeeping with QuickBooks, including invoicing, billing, and financial reporting.
- Ensured compliance with food handling regulations and DOT standards for commercial transport.
Education
Diploma - General Studies
Ichabod Crane High School
Kinderhook, NY05-2007
Marketing
Hudson Valley Community College
Troy, New YorkSkills
- Sales operations and management
- Customer engagement strategies
- Deal structuring and negotiation
- CRM and relationship management
- Market analysis and competitive intelligence
- Performance monitoring and KPI tracking
- Product knowledge and service management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Relationship building and territory management
- Sales expertise and development
- Cold calling techniques
- Team building and training
- Time management skills
- Problem solving abilities
- Persuasive negotiation tactics
- Continuous improvement initiatives
- New business development strategies
- Account management excellence
- Wholesale operations management
- Pricing strategy and cost controls
- Market valuation strategies
- Vehicle appraisal
- Maintenance & repair
- Self motivation
- Pricing strategy
- Product knowledge
- Project management
- Price negotiations
References
Michael Gelinas- Hyundai of Central FL, Sales Manager
Phone (321) 284-7718
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Will Comprosky- Hill Nissan, Sales Manager
Phone (863) 514-9457
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Rick Sills- Mentor / Friend
Phone (407) 592-5503
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Frank Gonzalez- Adesa Auto Auction, Rep
Phone (847) 774-4630
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Lyle Loomis- Headquarter Mazda, Finance Manager
Phone (510) 775-4919
Certification
vAuto/ProfitTime
Timeline
Sales Manager
Lazydays R.V. Center
08.2025 - Current
Pre-Owned Sales Manager
Subaru North Orlando
01.2024 - 04.2025
Finance & Sales Manager
Hill Nissan
12.2020 - 12.2023
Project Manager
Pelican Commerce
04.2019 - 12.2020
Wholesale Sales Representative
Hertz
04.2018 - 04.2019
Pre-Owed Manager
Intelligent Automotive Marketing
04.2017 - 04.2018
Automotive Sales Consultant
Starling Chevrolet
12.2014 - 12.2017
Co-Owner
J&J Transfer
01.2010 - 10.2014
Marine Boat Captain
Atlantic Clam Farms
06.2007 - 12.2014
Diploma - General Studies
Ichabod Crane High School
Marketing
Hudson Valley Community College